Annaberg, the pilgrimage site

In Lower Austria, many a road leads to Mariazell and pilgrimaging has a long tradition. Today this silent and contemplative form of walking is enjoying a renaissance.

Annaberg is a much-frequented pilgrimage site on the way to Mariazell, on the Via Sacra. The last section leads pilgrims over the three holy mountains – Annaberg, Joachimsberg and Josefsberg to Holy Mary, Mother of God.

Via Sacra

The Via Sacra is the oldest and best-known pilgrimage route in Austria. The historical route – and the Vienna Pilgrimage Route 06 established somewhat later – run from Vienna through the Vienna Woods and the Mostviertel to Mariazell.

Walking the Via Sacra is also a journey through the local landscapes – with wonderful lookouts and insights ranging from gently rolling hill country to the rugged and imposing Alps around Annaberg and the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park.

Annaberg: imperial pilgrimage site

The landmark of Annaberg stands right in the center of town: the pilgrimage church dedicated to St. Anna and built in 1217. Even back then the town served as a resting and praying site for pilgrims at this stage of their pilgrimage. The church with a Gothic chancel was the first pilgrimage chapel in Austria to be dedicated to St. Anna.

Inside is a carved group of Virgin, Child with St. Anne from 1440, said to have been executed by Jakob Kaschauer. It is a masterpiece of the art of Gothic carving. But it was not the only object that attracted pilgrims. An imperial gift from 1660 did as well, namely the scull of St. Anna, undoubtedly a fake but a revered relic in earlier times nonetheless.

Members of the imperial family were repeatedly among the pilgrims who stopped over in Annaberg: Leopold I and also Maria Theresia with her spouse Franz Stephan I.

Joachimsberg: Czech roots

The church on Joachimsberg is on a rise between Annaberg and Josefsberg. Emperor Ferdinand III designated this site personally in 1652. It was largely through the efforts of Count Johann Joachim Slawata, a member of a venerable Czech noble family, that the church was finally able to be completed.

This Bohemian builder had the magnificent marble altar erected in 1684. It dominates the interior of the church and features life-size statues of the beloved patron saints of his homeland.

The church on the Joachimsberg is also on the Via Sacra. Many pilgrims – especially groups of pilgrims from the Czech Republic – stop at Joachimsberg as a final point of rest and contemplation before the final leg of their journey to Mariazell.

The certified Via Sacra hosts are the top addresses for pilgrims to stop and stay overnight.